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It Happened on Fifth Avenue 1947

In the heart of New York City, an unexpected convergence of characters unfolds when a homeless veteran, Jim, finds refuge in a luxurious townhouse owned by wealthy businessman Mike O'Connor. As Jim navigates his new surroundings, he catches the eye of O'Connor's charming daughter, Trudy, who joins forces to help him find stability and love amidst the bustling city streets.

In the heart of New York City, an unexpected convergence of characters unfolds when a homeless veteran, Jim, finds refuge in a luxurious townhouse owned by wealthy businessman Mike O'Connor. As Jim navigates his new surroundings, he catches the eye of O'Connor's charming daughter, Trudy, who joins forces to help him find stability and love amidst the bustling city streets.

Does It Happened on Fifth Avenue have end credit scenes?

No!

It Happened on Fifth Avenue does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of It Happened on Fifth Avenue

Explore the complete cast of It Happened on Fifth Avenue, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for It Happened on Fifth Avenue

See how It Happened on Fifth Avenue is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where It Happened on Fifth Avenue stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

66

Metascore

8.2

User Score

IMDb

7.6 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

70

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate It Happened on Fifth Avenue Movie Quiz

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It Happened on Fifth Avenue Quiz: Test your knowledge on the classic film 'It Happened on Fifth Avenue' filled with unexpected connections and heartwarming stories.

Who is the world's second richest man in the film?

Awards & Nominations for It Happened on Fifth Avenue

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by It Happened on Fifth Avenue, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how It Happened on Fifth Avenue and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


The 19th Academy Awards 1947

Nomination

Writing (Motion Picture Story)

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for It Happened on Fifth Avenue

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Read the complete plot summary of It Happened on Fifth Avenue, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


On the bustling streets of New York City, specifically on Fifth Avenue, known as the “richest avenue in the world,” a tour bus narrator draws attention to the dilapidated townhouse of Michael O’Connor, the world’s second wealthiest individual. Amidst this backdrop, a middle-aged drifter named Aloysious T. McKeever, or “Mac,” accompanied by his loyal dog Sam, stealthily enters the O’Connor residence through a loose board and a manhole cover, seeking shelter for the night.

Meanwhile, O’Connor finds himself in the midst of evicting tenants from another one of his properties to make way for an ambitious eighty-story building. Among the displaced is Jim Bullock, a down-and-out veteran struggling to find work, who adamantly resists leaving. After an unfortunate encounter that leads to him being thrown out, Jim, while resting on a park bench, crosses paths with Mac. Seeing an opportunity, Mac invites Jim to come stay with him at the O’Connor estate, which he has unofficially inhabited for three winters while O’Connor spends his time in Virginia.

As the plot unfolds, O’Connor is preoccupied with plans to purchase Camp Kilson, a deserted army facility, to establish a significant air cargo network. His situation turns more complicated when he learns that his daughter Trudy has run away from her finishing school. Upon her arrival at the townhouse, Jim mistakenly assumes Trudy is a thief but allows her to stay, unaware of her true identity. Strikingly, she quickly develops feelings for Jim, opting to keep her wealthy background hidden to ensure he loves her for who she truly is.

When the night patrol arrives for a routine check, Mac devises a plan for everyone to hide and ultimately reveals to both Jim and Trudy that he is merely an intruder. In a heartfelt twist, Jim encounters fellow veterans Hank and Whitey along with their families, who are living in their car due to post-war housing shortages. Inspired by Mac, the group begins to brainstorm renovations to repurpose vacant army barracks as housing solutions and sets their sights on bidding for Camp Kilson.

As the narrative continues, O’Connor returns to New York to find Trudy headed off to her new job at a local music shop. Although he insists she return to school, Trudy stands her ground, revealing she has felt isolated her entire life and desires to be with Jim. The situation thickens when O’Connor, intent on meeting Jim, agrees to disguise himself as a drifter. Much to everyone’s surprise, Trudy persuades Mac to permit O’Connor to join their makeshift household.

However, O’Connor grows increasingly frustrated with his unexpected house guests, threatening to involve the police. To sway the situation, Trudy brings in her mother, Mary, who had left O’Connor years ago due to his workaholic tendencies. As sparks rekindle between Mary and O’Connor, Mac unwittingly encourages their reunion, believing they might marry. Problems arise when Mary learns of O’Connor’s plans to undermine Jim by offering him a job far away in Bolivia. Fueled by exit anger, she decides to leave him, and with Trudy’s support, ultimately convinces O’Connor to allow Jim to purchase the property.

On New Year’s Eve, the impromptu family gathers to celebrate their upcoming contract as they prepare to part ways. Though Trudy and Jim, alongside Mary and O’Connor, extend an offer for Mac to stay, he assures them he has arrangements at O’Connor’s estate in Virginia while bidding goodbye. In a heartfelt send-off, O’Connor promises Mary that come next November, Mac will find his way back through their front door.

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Movie Themes and Keywords

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christmaschristmas in new york cityvacant home squatterreconciliationremorseattitude changereprisal1940sregretfriendshipdeceptionstreet in titledream come truevagabondvirginiahomeless manfloridareference to santa clauscrying babyreference to frank sinatrareference to gregory peckpool tableplaying poolreference to washington d.c.rifleman lights a woman's cigarette18 year old18 year old girllimousinefinishing schooltaxichauffeurbubble bathpipe smokingtop hatman uses a canedouble decker busman wears a dressing gownindoor clotheslinearchitectural modelulcersandwichice boxfather kisses his daughter on her foreheadfoodeatingwashing dishesman wears an apronwhistlingman wears a nightshirt

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